Everyday Islam Photo Contest

An exhibit of images reflecting multicultural integration in Britain early this year provided an excellent opportunity to stir some reflection and dialogue between Muslims and Christians on their shared beliefs, and values, according to a senior British diplomat in the Philippines.

“This sort of competition takes the issue of “Everyday Islam” beyond the purely academic forum, and provides opportunities for reflection and interpretation of cross-cultural dilemmas and some of the challenges facing us today”, said British Charge d’Affaires Colin Crorkin.

As a result, a photography competition entitled “Everyday Islam” has been launched to depict Muslim life in the Philippines, following the example set by UK-based and internationally renowned photographer and Muslim convert Peter Sanders.

The competition aims to popularise shared aspirations and concerns of Muslims and non- Muslims, in order to promote integration and counter messages that tend to emphasise discord and differences.

Sponsored by the British Embassy in partnership with Newsbreak, the competition has two categories: professional, for those who earn a living from photography or are hobbyists who have participated in photo contests; and amateur, for those who do not earn a living from photography and who may submit photos taken with their mobile phone cameras.

Each entry must consist of one (1) full color, 8″ x 10″ photograph, accompanied by a caption. The photographer should not put his name or any distinguishing marks on the photograph.

A separate paper containing the caption and the name and contact details of the photographer should be submitted with the photograph. Contestants are requested to submit as well the original or raw files of their entries.

A contestant may submit as many entries as he or she desires. Relatives of British Embassy and Newsbreak employees up to the fourth degree of consanguinity are not allowed to participate in the competition.

Entries should be received by Newsbreak before or on August 31, Friday. They may be hand-carried or mailed to Room 1402-A West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Centre, Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

A board of judges will pick two winners in each category, or a total of four winners. In the professional category, P25,000 awaits the first prize winner, and P10,000 the second prize winner. In the amateur category, the first and second prize winners will receive P15,000 and P5,000, respectively.

Winners will be announced in the last week of September. Winning entries will be featured on the British Embassy and Newsbreak websites.

Copyright to the photographs will remain with the photographers, but the entries shall be made part of the British Embassy’s photobank, which it can use at no extra cost for future projects related to its Engaging with the Islamic World program.

News Source: Embassy News British Embassy, Manila and Newsbreak.